Customizable optical reader

ABSTRACT

An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/402,885, filed Mar. 28, 2003, entitled “Customizable Optical Reader”which claims the priority of provisional U.S. Application No.60/368,375, filed Mar. 28, 2002, entitled, “Customizable Optical ReaderHaving Multiple User Selectable Instruction Execution Protocols.”Priority to both of the above applications is claimed and both of theabove applications are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to optical readers and specifically tosystem and methods for reprogramming optical readers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Optical readers tend to fall into one of three categories: wand readers,laser scan engine optical readers and image sensor based opticalreaders.

Wand readers generally comprise a single light source and singlephotodetector housed in a pen shaped housing. A user drags the wandreader across a decodable symbol (e.g., a bar code) and a signal isgenerated representative of the bar space pattern of the bar code.

Laser scan engine based optical readers comprise a laser diode assemblygenerating a laser light beam, a moving mirror for sweeping the laserlight beam across a decodable symbol and a signal is generatedcorresponding to the decodable symbol.

Image sensor based optical readers comprise multi element image sensorssuch as CID, CMOS, or CCD image sensors and an imaging optic forfocusing an image onto the image sensor. In operation of an image sensorbased optical reader, an image of a decodable symbol is focused on animage sensor and a signal is generated corresponding to the signal.Image sensor elements may be arrayed in a line or in a rectangularmatrix or area. Area image sensors capture a digital picture and usesoftware algorithms to find and decode one or more symbols.

Users of laser scanner engine based optical readers have been switchingin increasing numbers to image sensor based optical readers. Imagesensor based optical readers are more durable and offer additionalfeatures relative to laser scan engine based bar code readers. Featuresand functions which have been incorporated into image sensor basedoptical readers involve image processing.

An image sensor based optical reader having image processingfunctionality is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,176, issued Oct. 2,2001, entitled “Symbol-Controlled Image Data Reading System,” assignedto the assignee of the present invention and incorporated by reference.In the patent, an optical reader is described which reads an image datareading instruction symbol and which outputs image data which mayinclude signature data in manner that depends on the information encodedin the image reading instruction symbol.

The added functionality possible with optical readers, coupled withreduced costs, have made optical readers attractive to an ever-wideningmarket of users who seek to employ optical readers in an ever-growingvariety of applications. Manufacturers of optical readers have beentested in satisfying all of their customer demands for readers, whichcan satisfy a greater variety of optical reader applications.Accordingly, there is a need for an optical reader which can readily becustom programmed to operate in a manner consistent with a user'sparticular application.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to its major aspects and broadly stated in the invention is acustomizable optical reader, which may be programmed in a variety ofways.

In one aspect, the invention includes an optical reader including scriptinterpreter enabling the reader to execute complex and varied commandsand strings of commands (which may be referred to as “script routinemodules”) during execution of a main program.

In another aspect, the invention includes an optical reader, which isoperable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the“host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routinemodule from a host. In the “host routines” mode the reader receives ascript routine module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn,executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routinemodules based on the identifier.

These and other details, advantages and benefits of the presentinvention will become apparent from the detailed description of thepreferred embodiment and the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

For a further understanding of these and objects of the invention,reference will be made to the following detailed description of theinvention which is to be read in connection with the accompanyingdrawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 a is a schematic/physical view of an optical reader network;

FIGS. 1 b-1 j are prospective views of various readers according to theinvention;

FIGS. 2 a-2 b are electrical block diagrams of readers according to theinvention;

FIGS. 3 a-3 b are memory maps illustrating an implementation of theinvention;

FIG. 4 a is a schematic/flow diagram illustrating an implementation ofthe invention;

FIG. 4 b is a schematic/flow diagram illustrating another implementationof the invention;

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate user interfaces which may be utilized in animplementation of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a memory map illustrating further aspects of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary user interface illustrating further aspects ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An optical reader network 1800 is shown in physical form/schematic viewof FIG. 1 a. Network 1802 at multiple reader work location 3002 may be alocal area network (LAN) including a plurality of optical readers 10-0,10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N. Each of the readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-Nis in radio communication with base 202 of host 200, which, along withhost computer 204 make up host 200. Host 200, in turn, is incommunication with network 1810. Network 180 may be part of theInternet. However, network 1810 may also be a private network. Throughnetwork 1810 host 200 is in communication with customer service centernetwork 1830 which is typically maintained by the supplier and/ormanufacturer of readers 10. Customer service network 1830 may include(e.g., network interface device 1844, a server 1832, several personalcomputers of which computer 1834 is representative, a database 1836 andan authentication module 1842) which allows only registered users toaccess the contents of database 1836. Resident on server 1832 ofcustomer service network 1830 is an internet website allowing users ofreader 10 to access information about reader 10 including readerloadable programs and/or program instructions which may be loadable onto readers 10. Network 1830 may be a local area network (LAN) but oftenis provided by a wide-area network (WAN) having components spread outover various locations.

Also in communication with network 1810 (and with customer servicenetwork 1830 through network 1810) are readers at work locations otherthan work location 1804. At location 1806, a single reader 10 having anetwork interface incorporated therein is in communication with network1810. At location 3004, a network 1806 is provided including a singlereader 10 in communication with a host 400 in communication with network1810. Each communication link of network 1800 may be wired or in thealternative, wireless.

From time to time it is useful to reprogram readers 10-0, 10-1 10-2,10-3, 10-N. For example, if a manufacturer/supplier develops a newsoftware function which may be executed by readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2,10-3, 10-N, it would be beneficial to load that software into readers10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N. At location 3002, an application forreaders 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N may change. Readers 10-0, 10-1,10-2, 10-3, 10-N may be required to operate to satisfy requiredfunctions of a first application and then, a second application. Readers10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N or a subset of readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2,10-2, 10-3, 10-N may be required to satisfy required functions of e.g.,a generic (i.e., any customer) inventory application, a generic shippingapplication, a generic receiving application, a generic point of saleapplication, a customer-specific shipping application, acustomer-specific receiving application or a customer-specific point ofsale application. For example, a customer may use readers 10-0, 10-1,10-2, 10-3, 10-N 364 days a year in a point of sale operation, and oneday a year in an inventory application.

An individual reader (e.g., reader 10-0) operates at its fastest speedif it does not have to communicate with any other device such as host200 during execution of a main operating program resident thereon. Thus,a reader (e.g., reader 10-0) would operate at its fastest possible speedif an operating program, such as a compiled program with no scriptinterpreter, were loaded thereon having all the program routines thatwere necessary for the operation of the reader in a particularapplication. However, the installation of a new operating program isoften a painstaking, time-consuming process. The individual reader 10has to be linked to a host 200, and an entire operating program has tobe downloaded into reader 10, a process that can take at least severalseconds, and up to several minutes, and is subject to failure. Thereprogramming of each or several readers can be a logistical challengegiven that readers are typically distributed at various locationsthroughout a work location, especially considering that a work locationin accordance with the invention can comprise a wide geographic area(e.g., an entire continent or country). If the number of readers, N, islarge, it can be seen that full-operating program reprogramming wouldresult in extremely long delays and would perhaps not be worth theeffort if a special programming function were needed only for a shortduration of time, or for one isolated particular application.

Housings 11 for optical readers in which the invention can be employedare shown in FIGS. 1 b-1 j. In FIG. 1 b, a gun style optical reader isshown as described in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/339,275,filed Jan. 9, 2003, entitled “Housing For Optical Reader,” incorporatedby reference. An imaging module (not shown) is incorporated in thereader housing 11. In FIG. 1 c, a gun style reader 10 is shown having anintegrated keyboard 13 k and display 13 d. In FIGS. 1 d-1 e, a portabledata terminal (PDT) style reader is shown having a keyboard 13 k and adisplay 13 d. In FIG. 1 g, an embodiment is shown wherein display 13 dincludes an associated touch screen overlay and which further includes astylus 18 for entering signature information. In FIG. 1 g, a cellularphone reader 10 is shown which has a display 13 d and keyboard 13 k andwhich incorporates an imaging module 50 as is described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/092,789, filed Mar. 7, 2002, entitled, “OpticalReader Imaging Module,” incorporated by reference. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1 h, a reader comprises a portable data assistant (PDA). In theembodiment of FIG. 1 e, reader 10 includes housing 11 configured to beworn on a user's finger. In FIG. 1 j, reader 10 is in the form factor ofa transaction terminal, and includes a card reader 1400, as is morefully described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/339,444, filedJan. 9, 2003, entitled “Transaction Terminal Comprising Imaging Module.”Numerous other form factors are possible. For example, in the previouslyincorporated U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/092,789, filed Mar. 7,2002, entitled, “Optical Reader Imaging Module,” incorporated byreference, a pen style optical reader is shown. In U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/432,282, filed on Nov. 2, 1999, entitled,“Indicia Sensor System For Optical Reader,” incorporated by reference, areader is shown which rests on a “scan stand.”

For a better understanding of the invention, exemplary electricalhardware features of optical readers 10 are described with reference toFIGS. 2 a and 2 b.

In FIG. 2 a, a block diagram of an optical reader electrical circuit isshown having a multi-functional processor IC chip 180 including anintegrated frame grabber block 148. Electrical circuit 100 shown in FIG.2 a can be utilized for control of a single 2D imaging module opticalreader as is shown for example in U.S. Ser. No. 09/954,081 filed Sep.17, 2001, entitled “Optical Reader Having Image Parsing Mode,” which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In the specific embodiment of FIG. 2 a, electrical circuit 100 includesa control circuit 140 comprising CPU 141, system RAM 142 and system ROM143 and frame grabber block 148. Electrical circuit 100 further includesan image sensor 32 typically provided by a photosensitive array and anillumination block 160 having illumination LEDs 16 and aiming LEDs 18 asshown in the physical form view of FIGS. 3 a-3 c. Image sensor 32 ofFIG. 2 a is shown as being provided by a 2D photo diode array. If a 1Dimage sensor replaces image sensor 32, then aiming LEDs 18 andillumination LEDs 16 may be constituted by one set of LEDs. In theembodiment shown, image sensor 32 incorporated in an image sensor ICchip 182 which typically further includes an image sensor electricalcircuit block 134. Image sensor electrical block 134 includes controlcircuit 135 for controlling image sensor 32, an A/D conversion circuit136, for converting analog signals received from image sensor 32 intodigital form and integrated clock 137 sometimes referred to as anoscillator.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 a, CPU 141 and frame grabber block 148are incorporated in a multi-functional IC chip 180, which in addition toincluding CPU 141 includes numerous other integrated hardwarecomponents. Namely, multi-functional IC chip 180 may include a displaycontrol block 106, several general purpose I/O ports 116, severalinterface blocks such as a USB circuit block 107 and a UART block 108for facilitating RS 232 communications, a UART block 109 forfacilitating infrared communications (including communication accordingto standards promulgated by the INFRARED DATA ASSOCIATION® (IrDA®), atrade association for defining infrared standards), and a pulse widthmodulation (PWM) output block 110. Multi-functional processor IC chip180 can also have other interfaces such as a PCMCIA interface 111, acompact flash interface 112, and a multimedia interface 113. Electricalcircuit 100 could also include an RF interface 170 in communication withI/O interface 116 providing communication with an external device suchas host 200. If reader 5 includes a display 13 d, display 13 d may be incommunication with chip 180 via display interface 106. Trigger 13 t andkeypad 13 k may be in communication with chip 180 via general purposeI/O interface 116. Physical form views of readers having displays andkeyboards are shown, for example, in U.S. application Ser. No.10/137,484, filed May 2, 2002, entitled “Optical Reader ComprisingKeyboard,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety. Multi-functional processor IC chip 180 may be one of anavailable type of multifunctional IC processor chips which are presentlyavailable such as a Dragonball MX1 IC processor chip or a Dragonball MXLIC processor chip available from Motorola, a DSC IC chip of the typeavailable from Texas Instruments, an O-Map IC chip of the type availablefrom Texas Instruments, or a multifunctional IC processor chip of avariety known as Clarity SOCs (e.g., system on a chip) available fromSound Vision, Inc.

In one embodiment, multi-functional processor IC chip 180 comprisescomponents that provide at least the functions provided by a CPU 140,system RAM 142 and system ROM 143. In some embodiments, it isadvantageous that microprocessor-based decoder module 180 comprises anintegrated circuit device having integrated therein a microprocessor, ananalog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, a directmemory access (DMA) channel, a bi-directional communication line forcommunication with a sensor such as either or both of line 151 and 152,and a channel for data receipt from a sensor, such as data line 159 thatbrings data to frame grabber 148. The microprocessor-based IC chip 180can comprise semiconductor materials, optical materials, and photonicbandgap materials. In some embodiments, it is advantageous that themulti-functional processor IC Chip 180 further comprise I/O 116 suitableto accept user input (for example, from a keyboard 13 k), interfacecapability for “flash” memory devices such as “Multimedia” (MMC), “SmartMedia,” “Compact Flash,” and “Memory Stick.” Other features that may beused to advantage include pulse width modulators (PWMs), serialcommunication channels (e.g., UARTs, SPIs, and USBs), display driversand controllers such as for an LCD, wireless communication capabilitysuch as Bluetooth and 802.11(a), (b), and (g)-compatibletransmitter/receivers, sequence control modules such as timer banks,sensor controllers, audio generators, audio coder/decoders (“codecs”),speech synthesizers, and speech recognition hardware and/or software.

Frame grabber block 148 of IC chip 180 replaces the function of a framegrabbing field programmable gate array (FPGA) as discussed in commonlyassigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/954,081, filed Sep. 17,2001, entitled, “Imaging Device Having Indicia-Controlled Image ParsingMode,” and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/904,697, filed Jul. 13,2001, entitled “An Optical Reader Having a Color Imager,” both of whichare hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Moreparticularly, frame grabber block 148 is specifically adapted collectionof hardware elements programmed to carry out, at video rates or higher,the process of receiving digitized image data from image sensor chip 182and writing digitized image data to system RAM 142 which in theembodiment shown is provided on a discreet IC chip. Frame grabber block148 includes hardware elements preconfigured to facilitate image framecapture. Frame grabber block 148 can be programmed by a user to captureimages according to a user's system design requirements. Programmingoptions for programming frame grabber block 148 include options enablingblock 148 to be customized to facilitate frame capture that varies inaccordance with image sensor characteristics such as image sensorresolution, clockout rating, and fabrication technology (e.g., CCD,CMOS, CID), dimension (1D or 2D), tonality (from 1 to N-bits), color(monochrome or color), biometric features, such as fingerprints, retinalpatterns, facial features, and one-and two-dimensional patterns that canprovide information, such as chromatography patterns and electrophoreticpatterns of mixtures of substances, including substances such asbiological samples comprising DNA. A decoder board that automaticallyadapts itself to satisfy the image capture requirements of a presentlyattached image sensor is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/339,439, filed Jan. 9, 2003, entitled, “Decoder Board For An OpticalReader Utilizing A Plurality Of Imaging Formats,” incorporated byreference. Aspects of the operation of circuit 100 when circuit 100captures image data into RAM 140 are now described. Circuit 100 canperform a cycle of receiving a frame of image data, performing internalprogramming functions, and decoding the frame of image data in a timeperiod of less than or equal to a second. In a more preferredembodiment, the circuit 100 performs the cycle in a time period of lessthan or equal to 1/30 of a second. It is expected that in a still morepreferred embodiment, the time period can be less than or equal to 1/270of a second. When trigger 13 t is pulled, CPU 141, under the operationof a program stored in system ROM 143, writes an image capture enablesignal to image sensor chip 182 via communication line 151. Line 151,like the remainder of communication lines described herein representsone or more physical communication lines. In the embodiment shown,wherein image sensor chip 182 is of a type available from IC MediaCorp., I²C interface 115 of chip 180 is utilized to facilitatecommunication with chip 182 (if another image sensor chip is selectedanother type of interface e.g. interface 116 may be utilized). Othertypes of signals may be sent over line 151 during the course of imagecapture. Line 151 may carry, for example, timing initialization, gainsetting and exposure setting signals.

When control block 135 of image sensor chip 182 receives an imagecapture enable instruction, control block 135 sends various signals toframe grabber block 148. Image sensor control block 135 typically sendsvarious types of synchronization signals to frame grabber block 148during the course of capturing frames of image data. In particular,control block 135 may send to frame grabber block 148 “start of framesignals” which inform frame grabber block 148 that chip 182 is ready totransmit a new frame of image data, “data valid window” signals whichindicate periods in which a row of image data is valid, and “dataacquisition clock” signals as established by clock 137 controlling thetiming of image data capture operations. In the embodiment described,line 152 represents three physical communication lines, each carryingone of the above types of signals. In an alternative embodiment,vertical and horizontal synchronization signals are processed by framegrabber 148 to internally generate a data valid window signal. Framegrabber block 148 appropriately responds to the respectivesynchronization signals, by establishing buffer memory locations withinintegrated RAM 149 of block 148 for temporary storage of the image datareceived from image sensor chip 182 over data line 159. At any timeduring the capture of a frame of image data into system RAM 142, bufferRAM 149 of frame grabber block 148 may store a partial (e.g., about 0.1to 0.8) or a full line of image data.

Referring to further aspects of electrical circuit 100, circuit 100includes a system bus 150. Bus 150 may be in communication with CPU 141via a memory interface such as EIM interface 117 of IC chip 180. SystemRAM 142 and system ROM 143 are also connected to bus 150 and incommunication with CPU 141 via bus 150. In the embodiment shown, RAM 142and ROM 143 are provided by discreet IC chips. System RAM 142 and systemROM 143 could also be incorporated into processor chip 180.

In addition to having system RAM 142, sometimes referred to as “working”RAM, electrical circuit 100 may include one or more long-term storagedevices. Electrical circuit 100 can include for example an “flash”memory device 120. Several standardized formats are available for suchflash memory devices including: “Multimedia” (MMC), “Smart Media,”“Compact Flash,” and “Memory Stick.” Flash memory devices areconveniently available in card structures which can be interfaced to CPU141 via an appropriate “slot” electromechanical interface incommunication with IC chip 180. Flash memory devices are particularlyuseful when reader 5 must archive numerous frames of image data.Electrical circuit 100 can also include other types of long term storagesuch as a hard drive which may be interfaced to bus 150 or to anappropriate I/O interface of processor IC chip 180.

In a further aspect of electrical circuit 100, control circuit 140 isconfigured to control the turning off and turning on of LEDs 16, 18 ofillumination block 160. Control circuit 140 preferably controlsillumination block 160 in a manner that is coordinated with thecapturing of the frames of image data. Illumination LEDs 16 aretypically on during at least a portion of frame capture periods.Configuring circuit 140 so that LEDs 16, 18 have off periodssignificantly reduces the power consumption of circuit 100.

In a further aspect of the electrical circuit 100, electrical circuit100 can be configured so that PWM output interface 114 of IC chip 180controls illumination LEDs of an imaging module such as illuminationLEDs 16 of module 10-1 or aiming/illumination LEDs 18 of module 10-2.

In one embodiment, illumination block 160 is in communication with PWMoutput interface 114 and configured in such manner that LEDs 16 areturned on at a leading edge of PWM pulses output at PWM interface 114,and are turned off at falling edges of PWM pulses output at PWMinterface 114. PWM interface 114 should be configured so that severalpulses are generated and sent over communication line 153 i during thetime that a single row of pixels of image data are exposed to lightprior to clocking out of pixel values corresponding to that row. Thus,illumination LEDs 16 would be turned on and off several times during theexposure period for exposing a row of pixels to light. Further, thenumber of pulses output by PWM output 114 during the time that a singlerow of pixels are exposed should not vary substantially from row to row.The pixel clock signal received at frame grabber block 148 of IC chip180 can be utilized to generate the PWM output. It can be seen,therefore, that multifunctional IC chip 180 including frame grabberblock 148 and PWM output 114 greatly simplifies the task of developingPWM signals for use in controlling illumination LEDs 16 of module 10.

In another embodiment, PWM output 114 and illumination block 160 areconfigured so that PWM output 114 controls the intensity ofillumination, not the on time/off time of illumination. Illumination LEDblock 160 in such an embodiment can include a power supply circuit whichis interfaced to PWM output 114 such that the PWM signal output at PWMoutput 114 varies the voltage or current supplied to LEDs 16.

In a further aspect of electrical circuit 100, aiming LEDs 18 of circuit100 can be controlled by a signal transmitted by a general purpose I/Oport 116 of IC chip 180 over communication line 153 a. Multifunctionalprocessor IC chip 180 can be programmed so that an aiming LED controlsignal is caused to change to an “ON” state when frame grabber block 148completes the process of capturing a complete frame of image data. Framegrabber block 148 may be configured to generate an “end of acquisition”or “end of frame” signal when frame grabber block 148 completes theprocess of capturing a complete frame of image data into RAM 142. WhenCPU 141 receives an “end of acquisition” signal, CPU 141 controls I/Oport 116 to change the state of an LED control signal. Control circuit140 may also change the state of an LED control signal when generating astart of frame signal. Control circuit 140 may execute a delay prior tochanging the state of an LED signal. Control circuit 140 is programmedso that an LED control signal remains in an “ON” state known to besufficiently short duration so as not to cause actuation of an aimingLED 18 during a succeeding frame exposure period. Configured in themanner described, aiming LEDs 18 are selectively pulsed on for a shortduration during intermediate successive frame exposure periods, e.g.frame exposure periods.

Referring now to FIG. 2 b, electrical circuit 101 is described.Electrical circuit 101 controls operation of a single imaging moduleoptical reader comprising a low cost 1D CCD image sensor 32 incorporatedon IC chip 183. Image sensor 32 of FIG. 2 b may be provided for exampleby a Toshiba Model TCD 1304 AP linear image sensor. Further aspects ofan exemplary I D imaging module are described, for example, in U.S.application Ser. No. 09/658,811, filed Sep. 11, 2000, entitled “OpticalAssembly for Barcode Scanner,” which is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Referring to aspects of electrical circuit 101 in detail, electricalcircuit 101 includes a control circuit 140 which, like control circuit140 of circuit 100 is partially incorporated in a multifunctionalprocessor IC chip 180 including CPU 141 and a frame grabber block 148.Control circuit 140 of circuit 101 further includes system RAM 142system ROM 143 and supplementary central processor unit (CPU) 147,integrated on processor IC chip 179. System RAM 142 and system RAM 143are in communication with EIM interface 117 of IC chip 180 via bus 150.

Processor IC chip 179 provides control and timing operations similar tothat provided by electrical block 134 of image sensor chip 182 describedin FIG. 1 a. Processor IC chip 179, in general, sends synchronizationsignals and digital clocking signals to IC chip 180, and sends digitalclocking signals to A/D conversion circuit 136 and image sensor 32.Processor IC chip 179 of circuit 101 may be a relatively low powerprocessor IC chip such as an 8-bit Cypress Programmable System-on-Chip™(PSOC™) CY8C26Z33-24PZI Microcontroller processor IC chip available fromCypress MicroSystems of Bothell, Wash. Aspects of the operation of ICchip 179 in during the course of capturing slice image data will now bedescribed in detail. When trigger 13 t is pulled, CPU 141 transmitsenable image capture instructions over communication line 151. However,a user defined script instruction or module (a set of scriptinstructions) when executed by reader 10, may override such a normalfunctioning of trigger 13 t as a capture enable actuation. In responseto receipt of an image capture enable instructions received from chip180, processor IC chip 179 performs a variety of operations. ProcessorIC chip 179 may send synchronization signals, such as “start of scan,”“data valid window,” and “data acquisition clock” signals to framegrabber block 148 via communication line 152. Processor IC chip 179 mayalso send timing signals and digital clocking signals (e.g. masterclock, integration clear gate, and shift gate pulse) to image sensor 32.Processor IC chip 179 typically also transmits a master clock signal toA/D conversion circuit 136. Referring to further aspects of IC chip 180of circuit 101, CPU 141 of chip 180, may also send e.g. gain setting,exposure setting, and timing initialization signals via line 151 to ICchip 179. Communication between IC chip 180 and IC chip 179 may be madevia an SPI interface or I/O interface 116 of chip 180 and chip 179.

As will be explained with reference to circuit 104, shown in FIG. 2 e,processor IC chip 179 may be replaced by a programmable logic circuit,e.g. a PLD, CPLD, or an FPGA. IC chip 179 could also be replaced by anASIC. Electrical circuit 101 of FIG. 2 b, includes what may be termed a“digital digitizer” in that analog voltage levels transmitted by CCDimage sensor 32 on line 155 are converted into gray scale pixel valuesby A/D converter 136 and transmitted via line 159 to frame grabber block148. Circuit 101 could also include an analog digitizer which processesan analog signal generated by image sensor 32 to generate a two-stateoutput signal that changes state in accordance with light-to-dark anddark-to-light transitions of the image sensor analog output signal.

Processor IC chip 179 also controls LED bank 160. LED bank 160 of a 1Dimage sensor reader typically includes a single bank of LEDs, whichsimultaneously illuminates a target area and provides an aiming patternfacilitating aligning of the reader with a target indicia.

Reader memory 144 of circuit 100 and of circuit 101 in the specificembodiments of FIGS. 2 a and 2 b includes system RAM 144, program ROM143, on-board RAM 149, and flash memory 120.

In embodiments described, reader 10 includes an imaging assemblyincluding an image sensor having a plurality of photosensors and anaiming/illumination system having LEDs 16, 18. In the alternative, animaging assembly of reader 10 could be wand style (e.g., including asingle photodetector and light source assembly which is manually movedacross a target) or laser scan image engine based (e.g., including (a) alaser diode assembly generating a laser beam which is automaticallyswept across a target, and (b) a single photodetector). Referring now toparticular aspects of the invention, a reader, according to theinvention, includes a script/interpreter programming architecture. In ascript/interpreter programming architecture, as is explained withreference to the memory map diagram of FIG. 3 a, an interpreter 4004 isresident in address locations 4006 of memory 144 as part of a mainoperating program or “kernel”. As will be explained in more detailherein, reader 10 may be programmed to wait for a script instruction orscript routine module to be received from host 200. When the scriptinstruction routine module is received from host 200, interpreter 4004interprets the module and control circuit 140 executes the module.Control circuit 140 executes instruction of the script routine modulewithout compiling the instruction of the script routine module togetherwith the remaining instructions that make up of kernel 4008. Duringexecution of the instructions that make up a script execution section,control circuit 144 executes a script routine module, a set ofinstructions that are not part of kernel 4008, which are interpreted byinterpreter 4004, and which do not have to be compiled together with theremaining instructions that make up kernel 4008 prior to execution.Typically memory 144 further includes a scratch memory 4016 taking upaddress locations 4018. Scratch memory 4016 can serve a variety ofuseful purposes. For example, as a storage area for script routinemodules received by reader 10 to be interpreted by interpreter 4004.

The establishing of a script/interpreter programming architecturegreatly enhances the versatility of optical reader 10. Because controlcircuit 140 can execute script instructions, the functionality of reader10 can be altered greatly without requiring that an entire new operatingprogram be downloaded into reader 10. The functionality of reader 10 canbe changed simply by making available to reader 10 a script routinemodule 5000 (FIG. 4) executable by control circuit 140 during executionkernel 4008. The script routine module executed by reader 10 may bechanged depending on the present application requirements of reader 10.By allowing a customer to author and execute custom script instructions,the software architecture of FIGS. 3 a and 3 b frees themanufacturer/supplier who maintains network 1802, from having to rewritethe code operating on reader 10 each time a customer's applicationchanges.

Referring to a further aspect of the invention, control circuit 140 isoperable in a “host commands” mode and “host routines” mode. In the“host command mode” , control circuit 140 executes a script routinemodule received from host 200 when executing the instructions of kernel4008. In the “host routines” mode, control circuit 140 executes a scriptroutine module resident in reader memory 144 when executing theinstructions of kernel 4008. The reader is also operable in a “scannerresident” mode, which may also be termed a “reader resident” mode. In ascanner resident mode, control circuit 140 executes a main operatingprogram which has been compiled and loaded onto reader 10. Whenexecuting a main operating program in a scanner resident mode, controlcircuit 140 does not receive any script instruction, script routinemodule, or script routine module identifier when executing instructionof the main operating program or kernel. The software architecture ofthe operating program of a reader 10 in the scanner resident mode may beof the script/interpreter type as described or else may be of anothertype (e.g., a fully compiled program without interpreter).

Steps executed by a reader operating in the respective “host commands”mode and in the “host routines” mode are described in greater detailwith reference to the flow/block diagram 5500 of FIG. 4. Reader 10-1 ofdiagram 5500 is depicted as operating in a “host commands” mode whilereader 10 of diagram 5500 is depicted as operating in a “host routines”mode.

At step 1 in a “host commands” mode, control circuit 140 sends a requestto host 200 requesting that host 200 send to reader 10-1 a scriptroutine module 5000. Host 200, in turn, at step 2, compiles a scriptroutine module comprising a plurality of script instructions, and sendsthe script routine module 5000 to reader 10-1. Interpreter 4004 ofreader 10-1 then interprets the script routine module and controlcircuit 140 executes the script routine module 5000. Alternatively,control circuit 140 in a “host command” mode may be programmed to waitfor a script routine module to be received from host 200, rather thanrequest that a host 200 send a script routine module, as indicated bystep (1). In other words, step (1) can be deleted.

At step A in the “host routines” mode, control circuit 140 of reader10-3 sends a request to host 200 requesting that host 200 send reader 10a script routine module identifier 6000. Host 200, in turn, at step B,sends reader 10 an identifier 6000 identifying which of a plurality ofscript routine modules resident in memory 144 should execute. Reader10-3, in turn, executes a script routine module corresponding toidentifier 6000 sent by host 200. The word length of the identifier sentby host 200 in the “host routines” mode need only be a fraction (e.g.,1/10th) of the word length of the script routine module sent by host 200in the “host commands mode.” Accordingly, it is seen that selection ofthe “host routines” mode reduces possible data collisions and speeds upoperation of the reader 10-3 and/or network. Control circuit 140 in the“host routines” mode may be programmed to wait for script routine moduleidentifier to be received from host 200.

A memory map of a reader operating according to a “host routines” modein one embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 b. At address locations 4010 memory144 includes kernel 4008 having an interpreter 4004. At memory addresslocations 4030, memory 144 includes pointers 4032, and at memorylocations 4040, 4042, 4044, 4046 memory 144 includes a plurality ofdiscrete script routine modules 4050, 4052, 4054, 4046 each selectableby establishing of an appropriate program pointer. In the embodimentdescribed with reference to FIG. 3 b, control circuit 140, whileoperating in the “host routines” mode, establishes a pointer to installan appropriate one of script routine modules 4050, 4052, 4054, 4056 sothat the selected script routine module 4050 corresponds with theidentifier received from host 200. Prior to their loading in readermemory 144, modules 4050, 4052, 4054, 4056 may be authored by a userhost computer 204. Host computer 204 may have programmed thereon aprogram builder toolkit for use in building modules 4050, 4052, 4054,4056.

The modes of operation of reader 10 are selected by a user via a userinterface 1910. The user interface can comprise displayed iconsdisplayed on reader display 13 d of reader 10 as depicted in FIG. 5 a.Icons 1902, 1904 can be displayed as part of graphical user interface1901 in which a pointer device (e.g., trackball, mouse) is used to movean arrow 1906 over a desired icon, and the actuated to effect selectionof the mode corresponding to the icon. In a highly useful embodiment ofthe invention, the user interface utilized to select between the “hostcommand mode” and the “host routines” mode is a user interfaceincorporated on host 200. Host 200 can include a user interface such asa graphical user interface 2910 as is indicated by FIG. 5 b. Further,host 200 can be in communication with a plurality of readers (e.g.,readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N) and can be configured such thatactuation of a user interface, (e.g., one of icon, e.g., icon 2902)results in each of the several readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-Nbeing programmed in accordance with the same operating mode. Thus,actuation of “host commands” mode icon 240 results in each of readers10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N being programmed to operate on a hostcommands mode. Likewise, actuation of “host routines” icon 2904 resultin each of readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N being reprogrammed in a“host routines” mode. Another type of user interface can be used. Forexample, network 1802 can be configured so that actuation of anappropriate keyboard 13 k or 213 k selects a mode of operation. Host 200can also be programmed so that an actuation of a user initiated commandor commands, results in readers of a particular “application group”which may be a subset of the N readers in a network, being programmed inthe same way. Application groups are described in U.S. Pat. No.6,161,760, filed Sep. 14, 1998, entitled “Multiple ApplicationMultiterminal Data Collection Network”. For example, host 200 may beutilized to program Application Group 1 to operate in a “host command”mode and Application Group 2 to operate in a “host routines” mode. Ifreaders 10-1, 10-2, and 10-N have been programmed to be part ofApplication Group 1, and readers 10-0, 10-3 have been programmed to bepart of Application Group 2, network 1802 will take on characteristicsas illustrated with reference to FIG. 4 b, wherein host 200 sendsreaders of Group 1 (readers 10-1, 10-2, 10-N) script routine modules5000 (sets of script instructions) for execution by control circuit 140of the reader, and wherein host 200 sends readers of Group 2 (readers10-0, 10-3) identifiers 6000 for identifying at least one of areader-resident script routine module is to be executed.

The benefits of the respective “host commands” and “host routines” modesof operation of reader 10 will be appreciated as will the benefits ofhaving both of the modes available together.

The “host commands” mode is most useful where host control overoperation of several readers 10 is at a premium. Suppose a specificscript routine module 5000 must be executed by readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2,10-3, 10-N for only one hour of operation. The script routine module5000 could be developed using computer 1834 at customer service network1830 and made available at website of server 1832. A customer could thendownload the script routine module 5000 to host 200 via network 1810 ordirect link 1811 (FIG. 4) and contemporaneously, each of several readers10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N presently in communication with host couldbe programmed to operate in a “host commands” mode by actuation of icon2902 or another suitable program method. Each of readers 10-0, 10-1,10-2, 10-3, 10-N, when executing the instruction of kernel 4008, willexecute the script routine module created at customer service network1830. The “host commands” mode (a) provides for complete control by host200 of reader operation and (b) eliminates the need to send compiledprogram codes to each of several readers, (e.g., readers 10-0, 10-1,10-2, 10-3, 10-N). To change the operation of each of several readers10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N, all that is needed is a change in a scriptroutine module that is resident in host 200 and available for sending toeach of several readers.

The “host routines” mode is most useful where speed is at a premium, andyet host control over operation of several readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2,10-3, 10-N is desired. When several readers operate in a “host routines”mode, host 200 maintains control over the operation of several readers,but only selects from preset script routine modules resident in theseveral readers (e.g., readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N).

In a useful embodiment of the “host routines” mode, control circuit 140can be configured to execute a string of script routine modules insuccession. More specifically, memory 140 can include a plurality ofscript routine modules, 4050, 4052, 4054, 4056, and can be configured toexecute two or more of the modules in succession in any selected orderto define a function different than the function that is defined bycontrol circuit 140 executing a single one of the modules. Accordingly,if a specific function was required of readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3,10-N for only one hour of operation, personnel utilizing computer 1834(such as engineers employed by the manufacturer of reader 10) atcustomer service center network 1830 could identify a string ofsubroutine modules within readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N which,when executed together in succession, satisfied the required function.For example, modules 4050, 4052, 4056 executed in the order of (1) 4050;(2) 4056; (3) 4050, could define a new function. From the string ofscript routine modules, a corresponding string of identifiers could becreated and transmitted from computer 1834 to host 200 via network 1810.A user of host 200 could reprogram all of readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2,10-3, 10-N in communication thereto in accordance with a “host routines”mode operation simply by actuation of routines icon 2904 as depicted inFIG. 5 b. Operating in accordance with the host routines mode, all ofreaders 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N would execute a string of scriptroutine modules identified at customer service network 1830 as beingcapable of performing the required custom-made function.

The availability of both of the “host commands” mode and the “hostroutines” modes allows readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-N to becustomized to the end that the needs of a customer can be satisfied. Ifa customer demands high accuracy, a highly specialized operatingroutine, and a host control of operation of one or more reader, the“host commands” mode can be selected. If a customer demands high-speedoperation in a custom developed application, the “host routines” modecan be selected. If one of the modes of operation fails to satisfy theneeds of a customer, the other mode of operation can be tried. Forexample, if during the course of operation in the “host routines” modeit is found that one or more of readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-Nconfigured to operate in the mode had not previously been updated toinclude thereon all of the script routine modules 4050, 4052, 4054, 4056specified by the script routine module identifier 6000 or identifierstring sent by host 200 to reader 10, or if a required reader functioncannot be satisfied by selection of one or more script routine modulesresident on a reader, a user may select the “host commands” mode ofoperation so that all of the readers 10-0, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-Nsatisfy the required function.

An example of the invention is described with reference to thecorrespondence memory map of FIG. 6 in which various sections ofpseudocode corresponding to an exemplary kernel and exemplary scriptroutine modules are shown in association with the memory map originallydescribed relative to FIG. 3 b.

In the example of FIG. 6, a kernel utilizing address locations 4010 maysimply wait for script instructions or a script routine module (a seriesof script instructions) as is indicated by one-line pseudocode program7010.

Referring to further aspects of the memory map of FIG. 6, addresslocations 4040 may contain a script routine module for displaying aparticular error message on display 13 d as is indicated by pseudocode7040. Further address locations 4042 may contain a script routine modulefor conducting an inventory application as is indicated by pseudocode7042. Still further, address locations 4044 may contain a script routinemodule for conducting a shipping application as is indicated bypseudocode 7044.

In “host commands” mode, control circuit 140 of one or several likeprogrammed readers interprets and executes a string of scriptinstructions, (i.e., script routine modules 5000 received from host200). For example, control circuit 140 of one or several like programmedreaders, when operating in a “host commands” mode, may execute a stringof instructions such as instructions corresponding to pseudocode 8040 orpseudocode 8042, or an entirely different script routine module customerauthored by a user utilizing host 200 or reader 10. It is understoodthat when instructions corresponding to pseudocode 8040, pseudocode8042, and pseudocode 8044 are executed by control circuit 140, variousbuilt in firmware functions of control circuit 140 are executed.

In addition to or as part of the GUI driver menu selector interfacedescribed relative to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, reader 10 may be driven into“host routines” mode by the sending of a specialized script instructionfrom host 200 to reader 10. Specifically, identifier 5000 may comprise ascript instruction including pointer information, which is interpretedand executed by control circuit 140 to select and execute a selected oneof the script routine modules, which has been loaded into the memorylocations 4040, 4042, 4044. An identifier 5000, for example, maycomprise the compiled data corresponding to the pseudocode scriptinstruction EXECUTE (INVENTORY). On receipt of the identifier, reader 10executes the corresponding script routine module, which in the exampleof FIG. 6, corresponds to pseudocode 7042.

Referring to the user interface of FIG. 7, a user may build a scriptroutine module utilizing an appropriate toolkit and GUI interface loadedonto host 200. When a user has authored a program in a userunderstandable language as in the pseudocode 8042 of FIG. 7, the usermay select various control buttons. For example, actuation of RUN button9002 may result in the authored program being compiled and formatted forsending to reader 10 or several readers 10 for interpretation andexecution by reader 10 or several readers 10. Actuation of SAVE button9004 may result in the authored program represented by pseudocode 9002being compiled, formatted and loaded into a designated script routinemodule memory location of a reader 10 or readers 10 (e.g., location4042) so that the program is executed by reader 10 when reader 10operates in a “host routines” mode as described herein.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to the preferred mode as illustrated in the drawing, itwill be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes indetail may be effected therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the claims.

1. A method to create a custom function in an optical reader comprisingthe steps of: providing a hand held optical reader having a hostroutines mode and a plurality of script routine modules; providing ahost computer to communicate with the optical reader; providing acomputer to order script routine modules into lists that can be executedin succession by the optical reader; identifying a string of the scriptroutine modules using the computer such that when they are executedtogether in succession they define a function; generating a string ofidentifiers representing the string of script routine modules on thecomputer; transmitting the string of identifiers from the computer tothe host computer; transmitting the string of identifiers from the hostcomputer to one or more optical readers set to the host routines mode;and executing the custom function on at least one of the optical readersas the execution order of a selected list of script routine modules. 2.The method of claim 1, to create a custom function wherein the step ofidentifying a string of the script routine modules comprises identifyinga string of the script routine modules using the computer such that whenthe script routine modules are executed together in succession theydefine a function to display a particular error message on an opticalreader display.
 3. The method of claim 1, to create a custom functionwherein the step of identifying a string of the script routine modulescomprises identifying a string of the script routine modules using thecomputer such that when the script routine modules are executed togetherin succession they define a function to conduct an inventoryapplication.
 4. The method of claim 1, to create a custom functionwherein the step of identifying a string of the script routine modulescomprises identifying a string of the script routine modules using thecomputer such that when the script routine modules are executed togetherin succession they define a function to conduct a shipping application.5. The method of claim 1, to create a custom function wherein the stepof transmitting the string of identifiers from the host computer to oneor more optical readers comprises transmitting the string of identifiersfrom the host computer to one or more optical readers set to the hostroutines mode wherein the script routine modules identified by thestring of identifiers are resident in the one or more optical readers.6. The method of claim 1, to create a custom function wherein the stepof executing the custom function comprises executing the custom functionon at least one of the optical readers as the execution order of aselected list of script routine modules wherein a control circuit withinthe optical reader executes the script routine modules resident in amemory in the optical reader.
 7. The method of claim 6, to create acustom function wherein the step of executing the custom functioncomprises executing the custom function on at least one of the opticalreaders as the execution order of a selected list of script routinemodules wherein a control circuit within the optical reader executesscript routine modules resident in a memory in the optical reader andthe control circuit selects each successive script routine modules byuse of a program pointer.
 8. The method of claim 1, to create a customfunction further comprising the step of sending a request to the hostcomputer requesting the script identifiers before the step oftransmitting the string of identifiers from the host computer.
 9. Amethod to create a custom function in an optical reader comprising thesteps of: providing a hand held optical reader having a host commandmode; providing a host computer to communicate with the optical readerand to send one or more script routine modules to the optical reader setto the host command mode; identifying one or more script routine modulesto be transmitted to the optical reader; transmitting the one or morescript routine modules from the host computer to one or more opticalreaders set to the host command mode such that the script routinemodules are executed together in succession by the optical reader as acustom function; and executing the custom function on at least one ofthe optical readers.
 10. The method of claim 9, to create a customfunction wherein the step of providing a hand held optical readercomprises providing a hand held optical reader having a host commandmode and a control circuit.
 11. The method of claim 10, to create acustom function further comprising the step of sending a request to thehost computer to send a script routine module to the reader before thestep of transmitting the one or more script routine modules.
 12. Themethod of claim 9, to create a custom function wherein the step ofproviding a hand held optical reader comprises providing a hand heldoptical reader having a host command mode, a control circuit, and aninterpreter.
 13. The method of claim 12, to create a custom functionwherein the step of executing the custom function comprises executingthe custom function on at least one of the optical readers byinterpreting the one or more script routine modules in the opticalreader using the interpreter, and executing the interpreted scriptroutine modules with the control circuit to perform the custom function.14. The method of claim 13, to create a custom function wherein the stepof executing the custom function comprises executing the custom functionon at least one of the optical readers by interpreting the one or morescript routine modules in the optical reader using the interpreter, andexecuting the interpreted script routine modules with the controlcircuit by further executing one or more firmware functions built intooptical reader to perform the custom function.
 15. The method of claim9, to create a custom function wherein the step of identifying the oneor more script routine modules comprises identifying the one or morescript routine modules to be transmitted to the optical reader in thehost command mode following an unsuccessful attempt to create the customfunction using a host routines mode wherein one or more of the neededscript routine modules is not resident in the optical reader.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, to create a custom function wherein the step ofidentifying the one or more script routine modules comprises identifyingthe one or more script routine modules to be transmitted to the opticalreader in the host command mode following an unsuccessful attempt tocreate the custom function using a host routines mode wherein one ormore of the needed script routine modules is not resident in the opticalreader, and after the needed script routine modules are loaded into thereader in the host command mode and after the reader is returned to thehost routines mode, a pointer is established to associate each of theselected script routine modules with an identifier.
 17. The method ofclaim 9, to create a custom function wherein the step of identifying theone or more script routine modules comprises identifying the one or morescript routine modules to be transmitted to the optical reader todisplay a particular error message on an optical reader display.
 18. Themethod of claim 9, to create a custom function wherein the step ofidentifying the one or more script routine modules comprises identifyingthe one or more script routine modules to be transmitted to define afunction to conduct an inventory application.
 19. The method of claim 9,to create a custom function wherein the step of identifying the one ormore script routine modules comprises identifying the one or more scriptroutine modules to be transmitted to the optical reader to define afunction to conduct a shipping application.